But here's what he said, according to the pool report: "And Governor Palin, I want to thank you particularly.

"I might point out, as I told you, we walked in. Since the race is over, no one pays attention to me at all. So I'm -- maybe you will walk outside with me or something later and say hello to me," prompting laughs from all.

Obama sticks to his prepared remarks and says he never forgets that he got his start in state government, saying the governors are most in touch with nation's woes. Obama said he was there to listen and would keep listening and "seek your counsel" in the future - "especially when we disagree."

Straying from prepared remarks, Obama said "I'm not going to allow Joe and myself to get infected with Washington-itis."

8:01 a.m. SUV with Obama inside emerged from the hotel's underground garage and headed for a Philadelphia sports club. He works out until 8:46 a.m.